The Millionaire’s Bride Mocked a Poor Maid—She Never Expected What Happened Next
Chapter 5
Anna returned to the manor before dawn.
Mrs. Whitmore was waiting.
“You saw them?”
Anna nodded.
“Richard Hawthorne and Graves.”
The housekeeper closed her eyes.
“I feared it.”
“You knew?”
“I suspected.”
Anna placed the documents on the table.
Mrs. Whitmore studied them.
“Your father was trying to expose them.”
“Why did nobody help him?”
“Because people are brave when danger is far away.”
She touched Anna’s hand.
“But your father wasn’t afraid.”
Anna looked toward the window.
“Neither am I.”
That afternoon, Beatrice entered the servants’ hall.
“You are dismissed.”
The room became silent.
Anna stood.
“On what grounds?”
Beatrice smiled.
“Insulting me.”
“I did not.”
“You embarrassed me in front of my guests.”
“You embarrassed yourself.”
Several servants gasped.
Beatrice’s face turned red.
“How dare you?”
Anna looked directly at her.
“I have spent two years serving this family. I will not apologize for something I didn’t do.”
Beatrice raised her hand.
But before she could strike, a voice came from the doorway.
“Put your hand down.”
Everyone turned.
William Hawthorne stood there.
He was Beatrice’s new husband.
The man she had married because of his wealth.
He had been silent during the wedding festivities.
Now his expression was unlike anything Anna had seen.
Cold.
Serious.
“You will not strike her.”
Beatrice stared.
“She is a servant.”
William walked toward Anna.
“I know.”
Then he looked at the documents in her hand.
“Where did you get those?”
Anna hesitated.
“Why?”
William’s face changed.
He recognized the seal.
“My grandfather’s.”
Anna nodded.
“Your family stole my family’s inheritance.”
The room fell silent.
William looked at her for a long moment.
Then he said something that shocked everyone.
“I believe you.”
Beatrice laughed nervously.
“William, surely you aren’t listening to this.”
He didn’t answer.
Instead, he asked Anna:
“Where is the original?”
“Hidden.”
“Good.”
He lowered his voice.
“Then don’t tell anyone.”
Beatrice stepped closer.
“What is happening?”
William looked at his bride.
For the first time, he seemed to realize what kind of person he had married.
“Something your family should have feared years ago.”
